Clinical Information

Human lactoferrin is secreted by most mucosal membranes and
is a major component of polymorphonuclear leukocytes during
an inflammatory response. During intestinal inflammation,
leukocytes migrate to the mucosa and infiltrate the intestinal
lumen, increasing the level of fecal lactoferrin. Inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD) is comprised of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s
disease, both of which are highly inflammatory and are
diagnosed by ruling out infectious agents and other potential
causes of inflammation. This test for the qualitative detection of
elevated levels of fecal lactoferrin can help to identify patients
with active IBD and rule out those with active irritable bowel
syndrome, which does not involve intestinal inflammation. This
test can also be used as an indicator of inflammatory diarrhea
caused by the presence of a bacterial pathogen. A positive
test result indicates that the specimen contains elevated levels
of lactoferrin.